Rugby League Jamaica (RLJ)is still basking in the recent success of the Women Reggae Warriors and Jamaica Hurricanes men’s representative teams at the Naples 9s in Florida, USA on May 20th. Both teams won their respective gender category, the first time Jamaican teams have swept male and female titles in a overseas tournament.
Reflecting on the strong performance by the teams, Jamaica Lead coach Roy Calvert said, “We are extremely happy for the Women’s game. To go into our just our second Representative fixture and come away with the win is positive and encouraging. We have a good mixture of experience and youth and hopefully this victory encourages more women in Jamaica to take up the sport. The team was exceptional and showed plenty character to pull off the win in the finals.”
Calvert had equal praise for the men’s Champions, “We are extremely proud of the Hurricanes. They are a huge brand within the Jamaican rugby league community. The team showed plenty class, grit, and resilience throughout the tournament. To only concede two tries over the course of four games of rugby league 9s is incredible at any level.”
The Women Reggae Warriors overcame defending champions New York Roots Rugby 10-0 in the women’s final. The Hurricanes won their finals 16-10, also defeating New York Roots Rugby. Jamaican speedsters Naomi Dodd and Kenneth Walker were named tournament MVPs.
Jamaica’s second men’s team in the tournament, Exodus, finished 3rd in their group with one win and two losses, thereby missing out on a semi-final spot.